The Boston Bruins took a big swing when they acquired Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway via a trade with the Washington Capitals. So far, the deal has been an absolute home run, with Orlov fitting in just fine with Boston.
Since being acquired by Boston, Orlov has appeared in four games and has three goals and five assists. The defenseman played a key role in Boston’s latest win over the Buffalo Sabres with a goal and two assists.
According to 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Ty Anderson, Orlov’s output hasn’t been seen since Zdeno Chara’s reign in Boston. Anderson stated that Orlov was the first Bruins defenseman since the former captain in 2022 to have back-to-back three-point games.
Orlov is happy to be in Boston and believes that the team is a special group.
“I don’t know. I have no answer,” Orlov told reporters when asked why he has fit in so well. “It’s a good team, and they always try to find the plays, try to play for each other, and try to create (plays). It’s important in this league. If you have a lot of skill, you have to make plays. Sometimes it works. Every time I played with the Caps against Boston, it’s a tough team to play, and I’m happy to be here.
“It’s a great team. That’s why they’re in first place right now,” Orlov added. I’m happy to be here and just try to do my best every game and have a chance to play every game like it’s my last game and bring everything and enjoy it.”
Orlov also mentioned how close players are and the atmosphere that the Bruins have created in the locker room.
“Great inside team, you can see how close they are in the locker room, in life, and outside the rink,” he said. “It’s special to be here, and we’re playing good hockey right now, and especially (Thursday). Maybe (Tuesday’s win against the Calgary Flames) wasn’t great, but we still found a way to win, and it’s important. It’s what good teams do.”
Orlov has added some depth to Boston’s blue line, and the team looks even better than fans could have dreamed of. It’s hard to imagine his Bruins career getting off to a better start, and Boston looks even more primed to lift the Stanley Cup in 2023.
Great quotes from Orlov, really hoping the B’s can find a way to keep him around after this season.